Liz Roberts: Congress and the President Must Not Cut Funding for Victims and Survivors of Violence
By Liz Roberts
As the CEO of the largest victim service organization in the United States, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that federal funding from the Department of Justice has on the lives of survivors of violence, abuse, and exploitation. Each year, we touch the lives of more than 250,000 people — from all walks of life and every political persuasion — providing them with essential services that help them get to safety, regain their footing, and reclaim their lives. Tragically, the threat of cuts to this vital federal funding looms large, and the consequences would be devastating — not just for survivors, but also for entire communities across the country.
Federal funding is the lifeblood of programs that support survivors in critical ways. At Safe Horizon, this includes funding for survivors of human trafficking, restorative justice initiatives, and programs that ensure the safety of children who have witnessed domestic violence during visits with a non-custodial parent. These services are not merely beneficial; they are essential. They provide a safety net for those who have experienced unimaginable trauma and help them navigate the complex path to recovery.
What’s more, these funds support community education and prevention initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing violence and promoting healthy relationships. By investing in these programs, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of survivors but also working to create safer communities for everyone. Without this funding, many organizations like ours may struggle to maintain the essential services that are critical for the safety and well-being of survivors and the communities where they live.
The impact of cuts to federal funding would be felt most acutely by the most vulnerable — those who rely on our services for safety, support, and healing. They may face longer wait times for services, reduced access to critical resources, and a lack of comprehensive support systems. Imagine a survivor of domestic violence who, after summoning the courage to seek help, finds that the resources they once relied on are no longer available. This is not just a personal tragedy; it is a community crisis. When survivors feel they have nowhere to turn for help, we risk increased rates of violence, jeopardizing the safety of our neighborhoods.
While Safe Horizon’s doors will remain open — even if federal funding is cut — our programs and services will be severely impacted. Many other nonprofits also doing this vital work cannot survive without federal support. This means that those of us who remain will be called upon to do more with less, which simply does not add up. The result? Survivors will be at greater risk, and our communities will become more dangerous.
To understand the potential magnitude of the harm, we must recognize that a third of Americans are survivors of violence. Our programs support individuals from all walks of life and every political affiliation. This is not a partisan issue; it is a human issue. And it’s an issue in every neighborhood across the country.
Increasing government efficiency is a worthy goal, of course. But indiscriminately cutting funding for programs that support survivors and make communities safer is not efficient; it’s perilous and, ultimately, will cost more in the long run. The economic impact of violence is staggering, costing communities millions in healthcare, law enforcement, and social services. Investing in programs that support survivors and prevent violence is not just a moral imperative; it is also a sound economic strategy. By cutting funding, we risk exacerbating these costs and placing an additional burden on already strained social services. Make no mistake: state and local governments cannot make up the difference if federal funds are cut.
Policymakers must recognize the critical importance of federal funding for these programs. The Department of Justice must not cut funding that provides vital assistance to victims and survivors of violence. To do so would be a grave injustice to the survivors who rely on these life-saving services.
Congress controls the purse strings, and they must stand up and do their job. I encourage everyone to reach out to their representatives and senators in Congress and demand that they take action to maintain funding for these programs. Together, we can ensure that survivors receive the support they need and that our communities are safer. Let’s stand together for those who have suffered and work toward a future where every survivor has the opportunity to heal and thrive.
Liz Roberts is a social worker and CEO of Safe Horizon, the nation’s leading victim and survivor assistance and advocacy organization.
